232 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



to have power to make a rate on all and every of the freeholders and 

 inhabitants of the said town, that shall amount to as much money as 

 shall defray the said charges." On the 20th of March following, this re- 

 solution was repealed and the same men empowered to " Repair the meet- 

 ing-house, in making a pulpit and pew in it, and also seal and make 

 seats in the same so far as the boards that are already bought will go." 



The next year the Rev. John Bartow contributed ^9 6s. 6d. towards 

 rectifying the pews and seats in East and Westchester churches. 



In 1 7 18, Mr. Bartow informs the Society that some efforts were be- 

 ing made to introduce a Presbyterian minister at Eastchester. This 

 must have been the celebrated William Tennent, who officiated here 

 for a short time only, from whence he removed to Bedford. 



MR. BARTOW TO THE SECRETARY- 



[extract.] 

 Westchester in the Province of New York, 

 Nov. 18th, 1 7 18. 

 Worthy Sir, 



"I am sorry that I have occasion to acquaint the Society that there 

 are endeavours now on foot to bring in a Presbyterian minister at East- 

 chester. Some of their main agents have been with me and signified 

 their design, from which I laboured to dissuade them, but in vain ; for 

 they told me if I would undertake to come and preach every Lord's day 

 in their town, they would be contented, otherwise, they would have a 

 minister of their own. This has bred a division amongst the people, 

 and some are for it and some against it ; which schism, I think, would 

 effectually be ended if they had a minister of the Church of England 

 to reside amongst them." ft 



Mr. Bartow, writing to the Secretary in 1725, says: — "The pulpit and 

 wainscoat of the church at Eastchester, are since decently painted, and 

 a new gallery built, and the Presbyterian minister when he comes not 

 permitted to officiate therein." 



Upon the death of Mr. Bartow, the Rev. Thomas Standard, was in- 

 ducted "To the rectory of Westchester, the glebe thereof, and to all the 

 rights and appurtenances of the same." 



In the year 1728, Mr. Standard officiated every other Sunday at East- 

 chester and publicly catechised the children. 6 



"During Mr Standards ministry here, some trouble-making spirits 

 arose, who sought to upset the action of those Presbyterians, who joined 

 the Church in Mr. Bartow's time, and get possession of the old building. 



a New York MSS. from Archives at Fulham, vol. i, 555. (nawks.) 

 b Printed Abstracts of Veil. Soc. 



